Apple News Today: One Year On, What We Know About the Trump Assassination Attempt

Release Date: July 14, 2025
Host: Shemitah Basu

Introduction

On July 14, 2025, Apple News Today hosted an episode titled "One Year On, What We Know About the Trump Assassination Attempt." Hosted by Shemitah Basu, the episode delves into the tragic assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump that occurred a year prior, alongside other pressing news stories.

The Trump Assassination Attempt: A Year in Review

Event Overview

• Date & Location: July 13, 2024, at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
• Time: 6:11 PM
• Perpetrator: 20-year-old Thomas Crooks
• Details: Crooks fired at least eight rounds, resulting in one fatality and multiple injuries as Donald Trump addressed the crowd.

Trump's Recollection

• Quote:
  "Well, it was unforgettable. I didn't know exactly what was going on. I got whacked, there's no question about that. And fortunately got down quickly..."
  — Donald Trump [00:55]

• Secret Service Response:
  Trump lauded the Secret Service sniper who neutralized Crooks swiftly after the attack, highlighting the agency's crucial role in preventing further casualties.

Impact on the Campaign

• Iconic Imagery:
  Trump’s bloodied face with a single fist raised became a defining image of his campaign and a rallying symbol for his supporters.

• Symbolism:
  For his base, the event symbolizes resilience and divine intervention, reinforcing Trump's image as a unique savior for America.

Secret Service Failures

• Senate Report Findings:
  The Senate's Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee labeled the incident a preventable tragedy, citing significant communication failures and negligence within the Secret Service.

• Investigative Insights:

  • Carol Lennig, Washington Post Investigative Reporter, stated:
    "The Secret Service failed miserably in a way that was visceral to the country and a shock to the system." [02:04]

  • Key Failings:

    • Inadequate communication with local police.
    • Failure to secure the rooftop vantage point used by Crooks.

  • Quote:
    "A man got onto a roof that is a billboard for potentially killing Donald Trump... your grandmother could have killed Donald Trump from that barn roof."
    — Carol Lennig [02:57]

Accountability Issues

• Personnel Actions:

  • Director Kimberly Cheadle resigned post-incident.
  • Only six Secret Service members were suspended, with information released under the threat of subpoenas.

• Trump's Stance:
  In a Fox News interview, Trump expressed satisfaction with the report’s conclusions, distancing himself from the agency's failures.

Investigation into Thomas Crooks

• FBI Involvement:
  Initial theories suggested an Iranian-backed plot, but extensive investigations revealed Crooks acted alone.

• Mental Health Concerns:
  Crooks’ internet history indicated severe mental health issues, portraying him as a socially isolated individual rather than part of a larger conspiracy.

Long-term Symbolism

• For Supporters:
  The assassination attempt remains a pivotal moment, reinforcing beliefs in Trump’s unique role and the perceived divine intervention that saved him.

FEMA's Response to Texas Floods Under Scrutiny

Background

• Event: Severe flooding in Texas prompted a federal response led by FEMA, overseen by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Reported Delays and Bureaucratic Hurdles

• FEMA Officials’ Claims:
  Bureaucratic obstacles, specifically a DHS rule requiring Secretary Kristi Noem’s personal approval for contracts and grants over $100,000, delayed immediate response efforts.

• Noem's Defense:
  Kristi Noem asserted on NBC's "Meet the Press" that FEMA responded promptly, with 700 staff on the ground within hours and full support provided as needed.
  "Every one of them will tell you that they got everything that they needed when they asked for it immediately."
  — Kristi Noem [06:02]

• Contrasting Reports:

  • CNN's Findings:
    • Deployment of FEMA personnel was slow, with only 86 staff arriving by Monday, increasing to 311 by Tuesday.
    • FEMA failed to answer nearly two-thirds of disaster assistance calls two days post-flooding, attributed to the non-renewal of contractor positions after July 5.

Policy Implications and Future of FEMA

• Potential Abolishment:
  Both Trump and Noem have previously advocated for dissolving FEMA, shifting disaster relief responsibilities to states.

• Shift to Reform:
  Recent statements indicate a pivot towards reforming FEMA to empower states, though former FEMA administrator Deanne Criswell warns that downsizing federal support could hinder states lacking robust disaster management infrastructure.

• Expert Opinion:
  "We can't ask states to replicate everything that the federal government can provide."
  — Deanne Criswell [08:08]

Revival of the Scott Peterson Murder Case

Background

• Original Case:
  Scott Peterson was convicted in 2004 for the murder of his wife, Lacey Peterson, who was found deceased along with her unborn child in the San Francisco Bay.

New Developments

• Innocence Project’s Involvement:
  The LA branch of the Innocence Project is actively seeking to reopen the case, challenging the original conviction based on newly uncovered evidence.

• Key Evidence Reanalysis:

  • Handwritten Notes:
    Analysis suggests that notes documenting boat anchor prices were likely penned by Lacey, undermining the prosecution’s claim that Peterson bought the boat to facilitate the murder.

  • Fetal Age Determination:
    A Harvard medical expert reassessed the fetal remains, indicating the baby survived longer after Lacey’s disappearance than initially believed, making it implausible for Peterson to have committed the crime during that window while under surveillance.

• Challenges and Backlash:
  Peterson’s case is atypical for the Innocence Project, which typically handles cases involving public defenders and less notoriety. Despite criticism, the group remains committed, believing the case warrants reevaluation.

• Future Proceedings:
  Peterson and the Innocence Project plan to seek an evidentiary hearing this summer, though the process is expected to be lengthy.

Other News Highlights

Air India Flight Crash Investigation

• Incident:
  A June crash resulted in 242 fatalities and 19 ground casualties.

• Preliminary Findings:

  • Both engines lost fuel supply shortly after takeoff, leading to thrust loss.
  • Cockpit audio revealed pilot confusion over fuel switch malfunctions, despite the presence of safeguards.

• Investigation Status:
  Ongoing, with a resolution expected to take over a year.

ICE Raids in Ventura County, California

• Event Details:

  • Casualty: Jamie Alanis Garcia, 57, died from a fall during the chaos.
  • Detentions: 361 individuals, including 14 miners, were detained in what’s considered the largest raid of the year.

• Legal Developments:

  • An LA judge issued restraining orders limiting future raids, mandating reasonable suspicion and access to legal counsel for detainees.

• Investigations:
  The targeted farm is under scrutiny for child labor violations.

Wimbledon Championships

• Men’s Final:

  • Winner: Jannik Sinner defeated Carlos Alcaraz, claiming his first Wimbledon title.

  • Notable Moment: A champagne cork interruption during the match added to the dramatic victory.

  • Light-Hearted Moment:
    "No, only here in Wimbledon. But that's exactly why we love playing here."
    — Donald Trump [14:28] (Note: This seems to be an error in the transcript as Trump is not related to the match. It might be a misattribution.)

• Women’s Final:

  • Winner: Iga Swiatek dominated Amanda Anisimova with a double bagel scoreline, securing her first Wimbledon title and sixth Grand Slam overall.

Conclusion

The episode provided an in-depth analysis of the assassination attempt on Donald Trump, scrutinizing the Secret Service's response and the broader implications for Trump's political narrative. Additionally, it covered critical evaluations of FEMA's disaster response, a resurgence in a high-profile murder case, aviation and immigration-related incidents, and notable sports achievements at Wimbledon. Through expert interviews and thorough reporting, Shemitah Basu delivered a comprehensive overview of these multifaceted stories.

For more detailed coverage and additional stories, listeners are encouraged to tune into the Apple News app and explore the latest updates.